Summary page for Sherida, the Sumerian goddess of light and dawn.
Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Dawn, Sun, Light, Justice
Archetype:
Sun Goddess (Indirect) – She symbolized light and was consort to the sun god.
Justice Deity (Indirect) – She witnessed legal matters alongside the sun god Shamash.
Protector Goddess (Indirect) – She interceded for divine protection when called upon.
Other Names (a.k.a.):
Aja, Aya, Ninkar, Serida, Sherida, Sudaĝ, Sudgan
Other Pantheons:
Akkadian Pantheon – She was known as Aja or Aya, goddess of dawn.
Babylonian Pantheon – She was syncretized with the mother goddess A-a.
Ugaritic Pantheon – She was equated with a deity also named Aya.
Giver of Light and Life: She nurtured existence and sustained life with her light.
Goddess of Dawn: She symbolized renewal and the daily return of light.
Consort of Utu: She supported the sun god and cosmic balance.
Witness to Justice: She oversaw legal and economic transactions.
Divine Protector: She interceded for protection when called upon.
Influencer in Myths: She played key roles in divine narratives and persuasion.
Parents:
None Known
Siblings:
None Known
Consorts:
Utu – god of the Sun and Justice
Children:
None Known
Ancient depictions of Sherida are limited, but based on available sources, she was portrayed in the following ways:
Standing beside Utu: Artists depicted her alongside the sun god, emphasizing their divine connection. And was depicted with features highlighting beauty and charm. This emphasized her role as a divine bride.
Wearing a long robe: She was shown in traditional Mesopotamian attire, symbolizing dignity and divine status.
Holding symbolic objects: Some depictions included items linked to light, life, or justice.
Radiant presence: She was portrayed with a luminous or radiant aspect.
Identified through inscriptions: Her name was often inscribed beside her figure to confirm her identity.
Symbolism:
Light and Dawn: She symbolized renewal, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Solar Imagery: Her link to Utu suggested radiant symbols like sun rays or auras.
Title of “Great Bride”: This represented divine authority and cosmic union.
Cosmic Order: Her presence in myths emphasized balance and the cycle of day and night.
Influence over Justice: She shared authority in law and order with Utu.
Weapons:
None Known
Sacred Animals:
None Known
Celestial Associations:
Linked to the Sun: She was connected to the sun through her consort, Utu.
Goddess of Dawn: She symbolized the rising sun and the start of daylight.
Tied to the Eastern Horizon: She represented the transition between night and day.
Realms:
Realm of Light and Dawn: She ruled the space between night and day.
Worshiped in Solar Temples: She was honored in E-babbar, meaning “White House,” linked to sunlight.
Worship Places:
City of Sippar: Worshiped at the E-babbar temple, dedicated to light and justice. E-babbar (“White House”) symbolized purity and divine light.
City of Larsa: Considered her cult city, with another E-babbar temple honoring her.
Rituals & Divinations:
Legal Witness Rituals: Invoked in contracts and transactions to ensure fairness.
Protection Prayers: Petitioned for safety in myths, suggesting intercessory rituals.
Seasonal and Protective Rites: These are mentioned in texts about averting evil omens.
Mythology Themes Related to Sherida:
Temptation and Persuasion: She played a role in influencing divine decisions, as seen in myths.
Protection and Intercession: She was called upon to safeguard heroes like Gilgamesh.
Prophecy and Cosmic Order: She was linked to rituals averting evil and maintaining balance.
Mythology Stories With Mentions of Sherida:
Nanna’s Journey to Nippur: Sherida tried to persuade the moon god to leave his cargo in Larsa.
The Epic of Gilgamesh: She interceded with Shamash to protect Gilgamesh on his quest.
Protective Rituals (Namburbû): She was invoked in ceremonies to ward off evil and misfortune.
Visit All Sumerian Gods & Goddesses
- J.A. Coleman, The Dictionary of Mythology: An A-Z of Themes, Legends, and Heroes (Barnes & Noble, Inc., 2007)
- Matt Clayton, Sumerian Mythology: Captivating Myths Of Gods, Goddesses, And Legendary Creatures of Ancient Sumer and Their Importance To The Sumerians (Captivating History, 2019)
- Ruth Horry, ‘Šerida/Aya (goddess)’, Ancient Mesopotamian Gods and Goddesses (ORACC and the UK Higher Education Academy, 2019)
- Joshua J. Mark, The Mesopotamian Pantheon (World History Encyclopedia, 25 February 2011)